Battery storage system for electrified vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vehicle includes a chassis, a body assembly, and a plurality of battery cells. The chassis includes a plurality of frame members. The body assembly is coupled to the plurality of frame members of the chassis. A bottom periphery of the body assembly is defined by a point at which the body assembly couples or contacts a top of the chassis. An uppermost periphery of the plurality of battery cells is spaced a distance below the bottom periphery of the body assembly. At least a portion of the plurality of battery cells extends lower than the plurality of frame members of the chassis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/362,178, filed Jun. 29, 2021,which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/007,622, filed Aug. 31, 2020, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/851,149, filed Apr.17, 2020, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/842,934, filed May 3, 2019, all of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

Refuse vehicles collect a wide variety of waste, trash, and othermaterial from residences and businesses. Operators of the refusevehicles transport the material from various waste receptacles within amunicipality to a storage or processing facility (e.g., a landfill, anincineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.).

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a refuse vehicle including a chassis, a bodyassembly, and battery cells. The body assembly is coupled to the chassisand defines a refuse compartment. The battery cells are positionedbetween the body assembly and the chassis.

In some embodiments, the refuse vehicle includes an electric energysystem. The electric energy system includes the battery cells andcontrol hardware, according to some embodiments. The electric energysystem is detachably coupled to the body assembly between the bodyassembly and the chassis, according to some embodiments. The batterycells of the electric energy system are replaceable, according to someembodiments.

In some embodiments, battery cells are detachably coupled to a firstportion of the body assembly. In some embodiments, the control hardwareis detachably coupled to a second portion of the body assembly distinctfrom the first portion.

In some embodiments, the refuse vehicle is fully powered by theplurality of battery cells.

In some embodiments, the refuse vehicle does not include a combustionengine.

In some embodiments, the battery cells are configured to provideelectrical energy to an electric actuator of the refuse vehicle.

In some embodiments, the battery cells are positioned within a housing.In some embodiments, the housing is coupled with the refuse vehiclebetween the chassis and the body assembly.

In some embodiments, the battery cells are positioned beneath the refusecompartment of the body assembly.

In some embodiments, the battery cells extend at least partially upwardspast a bottom surface of the body assembly.

In some embodiments, the battery cells are spaced a distance beneath abottom of the body assembly.

In some embodiments, the battery cells are positioned above a rear axleof the refuse vehicle, beneath the body assembly.

Another embodiment relates to a refuse vehicle including a chassis, abody assembly, an battery cells. The body assembly is coupled to thechassis and defines a refuse compartment. The battery cells arepositioned beneath the body assembly, the refuse compartment of the bodyassembly, and a portion of the chassis.

In some embodiments, the refuse vehicle is fully powered by theplurality of battery cells.

In some embodiments, the refuse vehicle does not include a combustionengine.

In some embodiments, the battery cells are positioned in a housing thatextends in a longitudinal direction along a length of the body assembly.

In some embodiments, the battery cells are positioned at least partiallyabove a tractive element of the refuse vehicle.

In some embodiments, the battery cells are coupled with a rearwardbottom portion of the body assembly.

In some embodiments, the battery cells are coupled with a forward bottomportion of the body assembly.

Another embodiment relates to a refuse vehicle including a chassis, abody assembly, and battery cells. The body assembly is coupled to thechassis and defines a refuse compartment. The battery cells are coupledwith a bottom portion of the body assembly at least partially beneaththe body assembly.

In some embodiments, the battery cells are coupled with a rearwardbottom portion of the body assembly or a forward bottom portion of thebody assembly.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of thedevices or processes described herein will become apparent in thedetailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to likeelements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a refuse vehicle, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a refuse container of the refuse vehicle ofFIG. 1 having a top energy storage and/or generation system, accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is the refuse container of FIG. 1 having a bottom energy storageand/or generation system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having a centralized energystorage and/or generation system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having a tailgate energy storageand/or generation system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having a frame energy storageand/or generation system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIGS. 7A-8B are the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having a distributed energystorage and/or generation system, according to several exemplaryembodiments.

FIGS. 9A-9B are the refuse vehicle of FIG. 1 having a top energy storageand/or generation system, according to several exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the presentdisclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in thedescription or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description onlyand should not be regarded as limiting.

According to an exemplary embodiment, an energy storage and/orgeneration system for a refuse vehicle is disclosed herein. The energystorage and/or generation system of the present disclosure provides manyadvantages over conventional systems. The energy storage and/orgeneration system may be positioned to evenly distribute the weight ofbatteries across the frame of the refuse vehicle and/or minimizecomponent stress of one or more load bearing members (e.g., an axle) ofthe refuse vehicle. The energy storage and/or generation system may bepositioned to be easily accessible and/or removable from the refusevehicle. Ease of access and removability reduce the labor involved inservicing an energy storage and/or generation system, making routineinspection and servicing more feasible and thereby increasing the lifeof the energy storage and/or generation system. Furthermore,removability allows the energy storage and/or generation system to be“hot-swapped” when it is depleted of charge for a fresh battery, therebyenabling greater uptime for a refuse vehicle. In addition, a removableenergy storage and/or generation system may be safely charged at greaterspeeds than an energy storage and/or generation system confined to arefuse vehicle, thereby allowing for a smaller number of energy storageand/or generation systems to be used to support a fleet of refusevehicles. Finally, the energy storage and/or generation system may bemodular, allowing individual components of the energy storage and/orgeneration system to be easily replaced for one another. Modularity notonly reduces maintenance costs but also allows for future upgrades tothe energy storage and/or generation system. For example, the batteriesof the energy storage and/or generation system may be easily upgraded tofuture chemistries not yet available.

Overall Vehicle

As shown in FIG. 1 , a vehicle, shown as refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., agarbage truck, a waste collection truck, a sanitation truck, a recyclingtruck, etc.), is configured as a front-loading refuse truck. In otherembodiments, the refuse vehicle 10 is configured as a side-loadingrefuse truck or a rear-loading refuse truck. In still other embodiments,the vehicle is another type of vehicle (e.g., a skid-loader, atelehandler, a plow truck, a boom lift, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1 , therefuse vehicle 10 includes a chassis, shown as frame 12; a bodyassembly, shown as body 14, coupled to the frame 12 (e.g., at a rear endthereof, etc.); and a cab, shown as cab 16, coupled to the frame 12(e.g., at a front end thereof, etc.). The cab 16 may include variouscomponents to facilitate operation of the refuse vehicle 10 by anoperator (e.g., a seat, a steering wheel, actuator controls, a userinterface, switches, buttons, dials, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the refuse vehicle 10 includes a prime mover, shownas electric motor 18, and an energy system, shown as energy storageand/or generation system 20. In other embodiments, the prime mover is orincludes an internal combustion engine. According to the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the electric motor 18 is coupled to theframe 12 at a position beneath the cab 16. The electric motor 18 isconfigured to provide power to a plurality of tractive elements, shownas wheels 22 (e.g., via a drive shaft, axles, etc.). In otherembodiments, the electric motor 18 is otherwise positioned and/or therefuse vehicle 10 includes a plurality of electric motors to facilitateindependently driving one or more of the wheels 22. In still otherembodiments, the electric motor 18 or a secondary electric motor iscoupled to and configured to drive a hydraulic system that powershydraulic actuators. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG.1 , the energy storage and/or generation system 20 is coupled to theframe 12 beneath the body 14. In other embodiments, the energy storageand/or generation system 20 is otherwise positioned (e.g., within atailgate of the refuse vehicle 10, beneath the cab 16, along the top ofthe body 14, within the body 14, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20 is configured to (a) receive, generate, and/orstore power and (b) provide electric power to (i) the electric motor 18to drive the wheels 22, (ii) electric actuators of the refuse vehicle 10to facilitate operation thereof (e.g., lift actuators, tailgateactuators, packer actuators, grabber actuators, etc.), and/or (iii)other electrically operated accessories of the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g.,displays, lights, etc.). The energy storage and/or generation system 20may include one or more rechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium-ionbatteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion polymerbatteries, lead-acid batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, etc.),capacitors, solar cells, generators, power buses, etc. In oneembodiment, the refuse vehicle 10 is a completely electric refusevehicle. In other embodiments, the refuse vehicle 10 includes aninternal combustion generator that utilizes one or more fuels (e.g.,gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas, hydrogen, etc.) to generateelectricity to charge the energy storage and/or generation system 20,power the electric motor 18, power the electric actuators, and/or powerthe other electrically operated accessories (e.g., a hybrid refusevehicle, etc.). For example, the refuse vehicle 10 may have an internalcombustion engine augmented by the electric motor 18 to cooperativelyprovide power to the wheels 22. The energy storage and/or generationsystem 20 may thereby be charged via an on-board generator (e.g., aninternal combustion generator, a solar panel system, etc.), from anexternal power source (e.g., overhead power lines, mains power sourcethrough a charging input, etc.), and/or via a power regenerative brakingsystem, and provide power to the electrically operated systems of therefuse vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20 includes a heat management system (e.g., liquidcooling, heat exchanger, air cooling, etc.).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the refuse vehicle 10 isconfigured to transport refuse from various waste receptacles within amunicipality to a storage and/or processing facility (e.g., a landfill,an incineration facility, a recycling facility, etc.). As shown in FIG.1 , the body 14 includes a plurality of panels, shown as panels 32, atailgate 34, and a cover 36. The panels 32, the tailgate 34, and thecover 36 define a collection chamber (e.g., hopper, etc.), shown asrefuse compartment 30. Loose refuse may be placed into the refusecompartment 30 where it may thereafter be compacted (e.g., by a packersystem, etc.). The refuse compartment 30 may provide temporary storagefor refuse during transport to a waste disposal site and/or a recyclingfacility. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the body 14 and therefuse compartment 30 extend above or in front of the cab 16. Accordingto the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the body 14 and the refusecompartment 30 are positioned behind the cab 16. In some embodiments,the refuse compartment 30 includes a hopper volume and a storage volume.Refuse may be initially loaded into the hopper volume and thereaftercompacted into the storage volume. According to an exemplary embodiment,the hopper volume is positioned between the storage volume and the cab16 (e.g., refuse is loaded into a position of the refuse compartment 30behind the cab 16 and stored in a position further toward the rear ofthe refuse compartment 30, a front-loading refuse vehicle, aside-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). In other embodiments, the storagevolume is positioned between the hopper volume and the cab 16 (e.g., arear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 1 , the refuse vehicle 10 includes a liftmechanism/system (e.g., a front-loading lift assembly, etc.), shown aslift assembly 40, coupled to the front end of the body 14. In otherembodiments, the lift assembly 40 extends rearward of the body 14 (e.g.,a rear-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). In still other embodiments, thelift assembly 40 extends from a side of the body 14 (e.g., aside-loading refuse vehicle, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1 , the liftassembly 40 is configured to engage a container (e.g., a residentialtrash receptacle, a commercial trash receptacle, a container having arobotic grabber arm, etc.), shown as refuse container 60. The liftassembly 40 may include various actuators (e.g., electric actuators,hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, etc.) to facilitate engagingthe refuse container 60, lifting the refuse container 60, and tippingrefuse out of the refuse container 60 into the hopper volume of therefuse compartment 30 through an opening in the cover 36 or through thetailgate 34. The lift assembly 40 may thereafter return the empty refusecontainer 60 to the ground. According to an exemplary embodiment, adoor, shown as top door 38, is movably coupled along the cover 36 toseal the opening thereby preventing refuse from escaping the refusecompartment 30 (e.g., due to wind, bumps in the road, etc.).

Energy Storage and/or Generation System

As shown in FIG. 2 , the energy storage and/or generation system 20 iscoupled to the rearward top portion of the body 14. In otherembodiments, the energy storage and/or generation system 20 is coupledto the forward top portion of the body 14. In some embodiments, theenergy storage and/or generation system 20 is removable/detachable fromthe body 14. Locating the energy storage and/or generation system 20 ontop of the body 14 facilitates easy access to the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20. For example, a user may readily inspect andservice the energy storage and/or generation system 20 because it islocated on an external surface of the refuse vehicle 10.

The energy storage and/or generation system 20 may include one or moreattachment mechanisms (e.g., pins, linkages, latches, etc.) to couplethe energy storage and/or generation system 20 to the body 14. In someembodiments, the energy storage and/or generation system 20 is a pod orbattery compartment, configured to receive and electrically couple oneor more batteries. For example, the energy storage and/or generationsystem 20 may allow a battery cell to be inserted from one end therebycoupling the battery cell to the energy storage and/or generation system20 and providing power to the refuse vehicle 10. In some embodiments,the energy storage and/or generation system 20 is modular andfacilitates easy replacement of one or more battery cells. For example,a second fully charged battery cell may replace a first depleted batterycell by uncoupling the first battery cell from the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20 and replacing it with the second battery cell. Insome embodiments, the entire energy storage and/or generation system 20is replaced with a different one of energy storage and/or generationsystem 20. Replacing one or more battery cells of the energy storageand/or generation system 20 reduces the downtime associated withcharging a typical battery system. In some embodiments, the energystorage and/or generation system 20 is “hot-swappable” and is able toreplace one or more battery cells without cutting power to the refusevehicle 10.

The energy storage and/or generation system 20 may include an electricconnection (e.g., a pantograph, a current collector, a high-voltageline, etc.) to allow the energy storage and/or generation system 20 toconnect to external power sources (e.g., an overhead power line, thegrid, a charging station, etc.). For example, the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20 may include a charging port to allow one or morebattery cells to be charged while the energy storage and/or generationsystem 20 is coupled to the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., by a 220V charger).In some embodiments, the energy storage and/or generation system 20includes an electrical bypass to power the refuse vehicle 10 from acharging source while the battery is being charged. In some embodiments,the energy storage and/or generation system 20 connects to one or morepower sources of refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., an internal combustiongenerator, a battery, etc.) to charge the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20. For example, the energy storage and/or generationsystem 20 may include a connection to an onboard diesel generatorconfigured to provide power to the energy storage and/or generationsystem 20 for charging.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the energy storage and/or generation system 20 iscoupled to the rearward bottom portion of the body 14. In otherembodiments, the energy storage and/or generation system 20 is coupledto the forward bottom portion of the body 14. As described above, theenergy storage and/or generation system 20 may be removable/replaceable.For example, the refuse vehicle 10 may include a door on the side of thebody 14 to allow removal and replacement of the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20. In some embodiments, the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20 is located on a track such that the energy storageand/or generation system 20 can slide out from the body 14 similar to adrawer. In some embodiments, the energy storage and/or generation system20 is modular. For example, the energy storage and/or generation system20 may include one or more sub-batteries to reduce the bulkiness of theenergy storage and/or generation system 20 and permit easy removaland/or replacement. Modularity further enables more precise inspectionand service of battery cells and allows individual battery cells to bereplaced without the need to replace an entire larger array.Furthermore, modularity enables battery cells to be easily upgraded.

As described above, the energy storage and/or generation system 20 mayinclude a charging port to allow the energy storage and/or generationsystem 20 to receive external power for charging. For example, therefuse vehicle 10 may include a 220V charging port on a side of the body14 to charge the energy storage and/or generation system 20.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the energy storage and/or generation system 20 iscoupled between the cab 16 and the body 14. In some embodiments, theenergy storage and/or generation system 20 is coupled to the frame 12.Locating the energy storage and/or generation system 20 between the cab16 and the body 14 reduces a rear weight of the refuse vehicle 10,thereby reducing component stress of weight bearing members (e.g., arear axle). Furthermore, centrally locating the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20 protects the energy storage and/or generationsystem 20 from damage in the event of a collision. Furthermore,centrally locating the energy storage and/or generation system 20 allowseasy modification/retrofitting of existing refuse vehicles to includethe energy storage and/or generation system 20. The energy storageand/or generation system 20 may be easily accessed and/or removed fromthe refuse vehicle 10. For example, the energy storage and/or generationsystem 20 may include forklift pockets so that a forklift may easilyremove the energy storage and/or generation system 20 from the refusevehicle 10. In some embodiments, the system 20 includes one or moreeyelet connectors to receive a lifting hook or similar hoistingattachment. The energy storage and/or generation system 20 may beconfigured to connect to an external rail system to quickly replace theenergy storage and/or generation system 20 by sliding it orthogonallyoff the refuse vehicle 10.

In some embodiments, the energy storage and/or generation system 20 isconfigured to dynamically change position on the refuse vehicle 10 basedon loading of the refuse vehicle 10. For example, the energy storageand/or generation system 20 may translate horizontally along the frame12 toward the cab 16 or toward the body 14 to change a weightdistribution of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the energy storageand/or generation system 20 includes one or more controllers to measurethe weight distribution of the refuse vehicle 10 and adjust a positionof the energy storage and/or generation system 20 accordingly.

As shown in FIG. 5 , the energy storage and/or generation system 20 iscoupled to the tailgate 34 of the refuse vehicle 10. In someembodiments, the energy storage and/or generation system 20 ispositioned vertically along a rearward side of the refuse compartment30. In some embodiments, the energy storage and/or generation system 20is positioned substantially near the base of the tailgate 34 or as partof the tailgate 34. The energy storage and/or generation system 20 maybe configured to be accessible via the tailgate 34. For example, a usercould open the tailgate 34 to reveal the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20. In some embodiments, the tailgate 34 includes oneor more rotating elements (e.g., hinges, mechanical bearings) tofacilitate rotation around a rearward corner of the refuse compartment30. For example, the tailgate 34 could include one or more hingingmechanisms on a side to allow a user to open the tailgate 34 like a doorand gain access to the energy storage and/or generation system 20located along the frame 12 of the refuse vehicle 10. In someembodiments, the tailgate 34 is a double door. Swinging the tailgate 34open like a door requires less energy than lifting the tailgate 34.

In some embodiments, the tailgate 34 is fully integrated with the energystorage and/or generation system 20 and is configured to beremovable/replaceable. For example, a first tailgate 34 having a firstenergy storage and/or generation system 20 could be replaced by a secondtailgate 34 having a second energy storage and/or generation system 20when the first energy storage and/or generation system 20 is depleted ofenergy. Removing and replacing the tailgate 34 may limit loss of vehicleoperation due to charging time because the tailgate 34 including thedepleted energy storage and/or generation system 20 may be chargedseparately of the refuse vehicle 10. Furthermore, swappable energystorage and/or generation systems enable a smaller fleet of refusevehicles to service the same area because the reduced downtimeassociated with battery charging enables the refuse vehicles to operatefor longer periods of time. In some embodiments, a number of racks indexone or more battery cells of the energy storage and/or generation system20.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the energy storage and/or generation system 20 iscoupled between the body 14 and the frame 12. As described above, insome embodiments, the energy storage and/or generation system 20 may beconfigured to translate horizontally along the frame 12 of the refusevehicle 10. For example, the energy storage and/or generation system 20could move between a forward portion and a rearward portion of the body14 of the refuse vehicle 10 such that the refuse vehicle 10 is evenlyloaded. As described above, in some embodiments, the energy storageand/or generation system 20 is removable and/or replaceable. The energystorage and/or generation system 20 may be accessed via a door on a sideof the body 14 or via the tailgate 34. Similarly, the energy storageand/or generation system 20 may be removed and/or replaced by anotherenergy storage and/or generation system. Alternatively, one or moreindividual battery cells of the energy storage and/or generation system20 could be replaced. In some embodiments, the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20 can be accessed by removing the refuse compartment30. For example, a refuse vehicle with a removable refuse compartment(e.g., a container truck) may remove the refuse compartment to revealthe energy storage and/or generation system 20. In some embodiments, theenergy storage and/or generation system 20 is coupled to the refusecompartment 30 itself and can be removed with the refuse compartment 30.For example, a refuse vehicle could swap a first full refuse compartmentwith a first depleted energy storage and/or generation system for asecond empty refuse compartment with a second charged energy storageand/or generation system.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-8B, several illustrations of an exemplaryplacement of the energy storage and/or generation system 20 is shown,according to several exemplary embodiments. In various embodiments, theenergy storage and/or generation system 20 is coupled to a rearward topportion of the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., above the refuse compartment 30,etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20 is coupled to a rearward portion of the refusevehicle 10. For example, the energy storage and/or generation system 20may be coupled to the tailgate 34 and/or a rearward portion of therefuse compartment 30 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C). As anotherexample, the energy storage and/or generation system 20 may be coupledto a vertical rear surface of the refuse compartment 30. In someembodiments, the energy storage and/or generation system 20 orcomponents thereof are coupled to the wheel 22. For example, an energystorage cell of the energy storage and/or generation system 20 may becoupled to a hub of the wheels 22 and a power converter of the energystorage and/or generation system 20 may be coupled to a top rearwardportion of the refuse container 30. In some embodiments, the energystorage and/or generation system 20 is coupled to a front and rearwheelset of the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C). Invarious embodiments, placement of the energy storage and/or generationsystem 20 as shown in FIGS. 7A-7C facilitates shifting weight rearwardon the refuse vehicle 10, thereby reducing strain on forward loadbearing components (e.g., a front axle, etc.). In some embodiments, theplacement of the energy storage and/or generation system 20 shown inFIGS. 7A-7C is preferred for a rear-loading refuse vehicle 10. Invarious embodiments, the energy storage and/or generation system 20includes a different number and/or arrangement of components than shownexplicitly in the FIGURES. For example, the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20 may include a first component coupled to anexterior hub surface of the front wheels 22 electrically coupled to asecond component integrated with the tailgate 34. In some embodiments,the placement of the energy storage and/or generation system 20 shown inFIGS. 8A-8B is preferred for a front-loading refuse vehicle 10 and/or aside-loading refuse vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the energystorage and/or generation system 20, or components thereof, aredetachable from the refuse vehicle 10 as described in detail above.

Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9B, several illustrations of another exemplaryplacement of the energy storage and/or generation system 20 is shown,according to several exemplary embodiments. In various embodiments, theenergy storage and/or generation system 20 is coupled to a top portionof the refuse vehicle 10. For example, the energy storage and/orgeneration system 20 may be coupled to a top portion of refusecompartment 30 and/or above the cab 16 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B).In some embodiments, the energy storage and/or generation system 20 iscoupled to a canopy (or other structural element) located above the cab16. Additionally or alternatively, the energy storage and/or generationsystem 20, or components thereof, may be coupled to the wheels 22. Forexample, a first component of the energy storage and/or generationsystem 20 (e.g., a battery cell, etc.) may be coupled to an exterior hubregion of the wheels 22 and a second component of the energy storageand/or generation system 20 (e.g., a power converter, etc.) may becoupled to a structural element (e.g., a portion of frame 12, etc.)above the cab 16. In some embodiments, the placement of the energystorage and/or generation system 20 shown in FIGS. 9A-9B is preferredfor a rear-loading refuse vehicle 10. In various embodiments, theplacement of the energy storage and/or generation system 20 as shown inFIGS. 9A-9B facilitates moving weight (e.g., battery weight, etc.)forward on the refuse vehicle 10 (e.g., toward the cab 16 and away fromthe tailgate 34, etc.), thereby reducing stress on rear load-bearingcomponents (e.g., a rear axle, etc.).

As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”,and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony withthe common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art towhich the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should beunderstood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure thatthese terms are intended to allow a description of certain featuresdescribed and claimed without restricting the scope of these features tothe precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms shouldbe interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequentialmodifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimedare considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited inthe appended claims.

It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, asused herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicatethat such embodiments are possible examples, representations, orillustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intendedto connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary orsuperlative examples).

The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g.,removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled toeach other using a separate intervening member and any additionalintermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two memberscoupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If“coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term(e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” providedabove is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term(e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without anyseparate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition thanthe generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may bemechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,”“above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of variouselements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation ofvarious elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments,and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

The hardware and data processing components used to implement thevarious processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks,modules and circuits described in connection with the embodimentsdisclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purposesingle- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmablegate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate ortransistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combinationthereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A generalpurpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processoralso may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particularprocesses and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific toa given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device)may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard diskstorage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing orfacilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in thepresent disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory ornon-volatile memory, and may include database components, object codecomponents, script components, or any other type of informationstructure for supporting the various activities and informationstructures described in the present disclosure. According to anexemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to theprocessor via a processing circuit and includes computer code forexecuting (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one ormore processes described herein.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of thepresent disclosure include program products comprising machine-readablemedia for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or datastructures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a general purpose or specialpurpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example,such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, orother optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or storedesired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions ordata structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose orspecial purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinationsof the above are also included within the scope of machine-readablemedia. Machine-executable instructions include, for example,instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform acertain function or group of functions.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order ofmethod steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depictedand described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unlessspecified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, onthe software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. Allsuch variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise,software implementations of the described methods could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps, and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of therefuse vehicle 10 and the systems and components thereof as shown in thevarious exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, anyelement disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized withany other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of anelement from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized inanother embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciatedthat other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated orutilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

1. A vehicle comprising: a chassis comprising a plurality of framemembers; a body assembly coupled to the plurality of frame members ofthe chassis, a bottom periphery of the body assembly being defined by apoint at which the body assembly couples or contacts a top of thechassis; and a plurality of battery cells, an uppermost periphery of theplurality of battery cells spaced a distance below the bottom peripheryof the body assembly, wherein at least a portion of the plurality ofbattery cells extends lower than the plurality of frame members of thechassis.
 2. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising an electricenergy system, the electric energy system including the plurality ofbattery cells and control hardware, the electric energy systempositioned lower than the bottom periphery of the body assembly and atleast a portion of the electric energy system extends lower than theplurality of frame members of the chassis, wherein the plurality ofbattery cells of the electric energy system are replaceable.
 3. Thevehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is fully powered by theplurality of battery cells.
 4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein thevehicle does not include an internal combustion engine.
 5. The vehicleof claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery cells are configured toprovide electrical energy to an electric actuator of the vehicle.
 6. Thevehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery cells arepositioned within a housing, wherein an uppermost periphery of thehousing is positioned lower than the bottom periphery of the bodyassembly, and wherein at least a portion of the housing extends lowerthan the plurality of frame members of the chassis.
 7. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of battery cells are positioned beneaththe body assembly.
 8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofbattery cells are positioned forward of a rear axle of the vehicle. 9.The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of battery cells arepositioned on a forward portion of the chassis proximate a cab of thevehicle.
 10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the plurality of batterycells are positioned at least partially laterally outwards of a lateralside of the chassis.
 11. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the bodyassembly defines a refuse compartment.
 12. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein the plurality of battery cells are a first plurality of batterycells, and wherein the plurality of battery cells are positioned alongthe chassis at a position forward of a rear axle of the vehicle, furthercomprising a second plurality of battery cells positioned rearward ofthe rear axle of the vehicle.
 13. A vehicle comprising: a chassisincluding a plurality of frame members; a body assembly coupled to theplurality of frame members of the chassis; and a plurality of batterycells, an uppermost periphery of the plurality of battery cells spaced adistance below a point at which the body assembly contacts a top surfaceof the chassis, a lowermost periphery of the plurality of battery cellsextending below the chassis, the plurality of battery cells positionedalong the chassis at a position forward of a rear axle of the vehicle.14. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the vehicle is fully powered by theplurality of battery cells, and wherein the vehicle does not include aninternal combustion engine.
 15. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein theplurality of battery cells are positioned at least partially laterallyoutwards of a lateral side of the chassis.
 16. The vehicle of claim 13,further comprising an electric motor coupled to the chassis, theelectric motor powered by the plurality of battery cells to drive therear axle.
 17. The vehicle of claim 13, wherein the plurality of batterycells are positioned in a housing, an uppermost periphery of the housingpositioned lower than the point at which the body assembly contacts thetop surface of the chassis, wherein at least a portion of the housingextends lower than the plurality of frame members of the chassis, andwherein the housing extends in a longitudinal direction along at least aportion of a length of the body assembly.
 18. The vehicle of claim 13,wherein the plurality of battery cells are a first plurality of batterycells, further comprising a second plurality of battery cells positionedrearward of the rear axle.
 19. A vehicle comprising: a chassis; a frontaxle coupled to the chassis; a rear axle coupled to the chassis; anelectric motor coupled to the chassis; a cab coupled to the chassis; abody coupled to the chassis; and a battery pack including a plurality ofbattery cells, the battery pack configured to power the electric motorto drive at least one of the front axle or the rear axle, the batterypack (a) positioned forward of the rear axle, (b) extending at leastpartially laterally outward of the chassis, (c) extending at leastpartially beneath a lowermost periphery of the chassis and the body, and(d) spaced a distance beneath a point at which the body contacts thechassis.
 20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the battery pack is afirst battery pack, further comprising a second battery pack positionedrearward of the rear axle.